Aventurine
green · Quartz family
| Also known as | Quartz (Quartz family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Green |
| Mohs hardness | 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) |
| Lustre | Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | α-quartz: trigonal β-quartz: hexagonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to nearly opaque |
| Cleavage | none |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | SiO 2 |
| Specific gravity | 2.65; variable 2.59–2.63 in impure varieties |
What is Aventurine?
Aventurine is a form of quartzite, characterised by its translucency and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give it a shimmering or glistening effect termed aventurescence.
How to identify Aventurine
- Lustre: Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive.
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: α-quartz: trigonal β-quartz: hexagonal crystal system.
Aventurine in different forms
Stones often confused with Aventurine
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Aventurine?
Aventurine is Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) on the hardness scale.
What colour is Aventurine?
Aventurine is typically green.